Karnataka Forest Department issues guidelines to tackle rising elephant-human conflict
Bengaluru: In response to the increasing number of elephant-related incidents across the state, the Karnataka Forest Department has issued detailed guidelines to its staff in thirteen divisions to manage human-elephant conflict during various emergency situations.
The move comes amid questions raised by the Karnataka High Court regarding the exercise of powers under Section 11 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. It permits the Chief Wildlife Warden to authorise the hunting of an animal deemed dangerous to human life, among other criteria. The court’s scrutiny follows a public interest litigation that challenged the alleged indiscriminate capture of elephants in the Hassan district, Deccan Herald reported on Monday.
These interactions are often driven by habitat encroachment, fragmentation or loss, scarcity of food and water in natural habitats, and attraction to cultivated crops or human settlements are the other reasons,” the guidelines state.
Emphasis is placed on the safety of both humans and elephants, with a focus on preventing the recurrence of such incidents through improved preparedness.
Elephants account for nearly two-thirds of all wildlife conflict cases in the state. Data from the department, cited by DH, shows that in the 2024–25 financial year alone, 35,580 conflict incidents were recorded, with 22,483 involving elephants.
In addition to human and animal fatalities, the department has had to contend with injuries leading to disability, crop destruction, and property damage. Of the Rs 22 crore ex gratia paid, elephants accounted for Rs 13.5 crore. Meanwhile, around 15,000 pending cases, where damages claimed amount to Rs 23 crore, are still awaiting resolution.
The guidelines also cover procedures for the rescue and relocation of problematic elephants. In the event of a wild elephant’s death, whether by natural causes, accidents, or human action, the department is expected to respond promptly and systematically.
However, implementation may face challenges on the ground. An official from the elephant conflict division termed the guidelines "ambitious," highlighting few issues.
“Mobilisation of resources is a big challenge. Rushing elephant task forces from one division to another when 60% sanctioned staff positions are vacant is not a solution. The outsourced staff who earn a pittance are exposing themselves to danger. These basic matters need to be addressed,” DH quoted him as saying.
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Always stood by CM, will continue to do so in future, says Dy CM Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Seeking to junk claims of power tussle in the state, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday asserted that he has always stood by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and will continue to do so in future as well.
He said it is the party high command which decides leadership matters and the backing of certain number of MLAs could not decide anything.
During a discussion in the Karnataka Assembly, opposition leader R Ashoka said Shivakumar often spoke about the right time.
"Shivakumar says time will give the answer. We will get relief if he discloses which time he is talking about," Ashoka said.
The BJP leader said he has heard from Shivakumar’s camp that there are at least 56 MLAs to support the deputy chief minister.
"When I asked a person from Chief Minister’s camp he said every morning these 56 people go to Shivakumar’s camp and return to the CM’s camp by the evening. Labour Minister Santosh Lad is from the same category," Ashoka claimed. He added that Shivakumar was in a dilemma over whom to trust.
Lad took exception to Ashoka's statement and rejected being the follower of a particular camp, and retorted saying that the BJP is an "expert" in bringing down governments.
Ashoka said the BJP will never topple the government and hinted that the power tussle would bring down the Congress regime in the state.
He said Shivakumar should clear the air because for the past month, his speeches, statements, and social media posts have been conveying hundreds of meaning, thereby adding confusion.
Replying, the Deputy CM said, his strength is "139 MLAs" including the chief minister.
Further, the deputy chief minister said: "Siddaramaiah is also with me 100 per cent. There is no question on it. We both are together, working to fulfill the promises made to the people of Karnataka. We are marching in that direction and will continue to do so in future as well. There should not be any confusion."
He asserted that he always stood by Siddaramaiah during crisis and will do so in future. "He (Siddaramaiah) will also stand by me,” the Deputy CM said.
On his social media post, he said: "Decisions are not taken based on the number but it is the party leadership which decides. It is applies to both yours and my party."
The BJP replaced a number of chief ministers, MLAs were also changed and a major cabinet reshuffle happened, he added.
